I don't know what it is, but it sure was cheap!

[schwinn boy]

the serial number is 9 165 0936 and the tank plate is original.

It has the shimano FF system.

Does anyone know what it is?

 

[LukeTheJoker]

From what I understand that forward freewheel system was not used for long, so it should be easy to date it... Great idea being able to change gears while coasting, but it didn't take...

Luke.

 

[Kreep]

Looks like an AMF. I had one almost Identical,but blue. It was a Iverson "Decathelet". I asume the the sticker on the front plate/gusset is covering a hole,mine was.. Cool bike!
-Kreep-

 

[Nagant]

It's a different and interesting bike. I can't offer any info other than the obvious. The frame is a typical looking 1970's lightweight or road bike other than for the added brace which gives it a little pizzaz. Looks like the front brake is a Dia-Comp. Wonder it it's original. The stem looks more road bike like to me. Makes me wonder if someone swapped the bars. If so that could explain the lack of fenders that would be typical to a light weight cruiser. I notice is also has a high flange front hub. The only other Athletic Union Montgomery Ward bike I found in a quick search was a lightweight 3 speed Shimano IGH on a blog in the first link below. The owner states it was made in Austria, which would mean Steyr Daimler Puch. That bike doesn't have the extra brace nor the unusual front free wheel system. Since Monty Wards had many different manufacturers make bikes for them yours might very well be made by someone else.

http://cyclethru.blogspot.com/2012/04/montgomery-ward-a-u-estate.html

FFS search results:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Front_freewheel

https://www.google.com/search?q=shi...a:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&channel=rcs

 

[Nagant]

Found a 2010 post on another forum of what appears to be your bike. He stated his was a 12 speed road bike. I suspect he might have miscounted and it's just a 10 speed. The only pic he supplied:

Link to the post:

http://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/658662-help-need-info-montgomery-ward.html

 

[Slick Rick]

Drive train is Shimano ( FF ) Front Freewheeling System. These were awesome set-ups for a 10 speed Beach Cruiser back in the day. Seems like 78-82 I was seeing these a bit.

 

[JaxRhapsody]

I doubt it used to be a road bike. My girlfriendsstolen Freespirit Britanny was set up like that; ten speed, uprights, and stem shifters, it had 26" wheels though.